Do i write an addendum? Forum

[shieldofachilles]

I took a year off between sophomore and junior year bc of family's economic problems. My mom needed to get surgery and i had to increase my hours at work to help out. I was planning on mentioning that in my PS so do i still need to write a separate addendum? What the hell does that look like anyway? Do i literally write Addendum for Fall 11 to Spring 12 Leave of Absence on the header. Thanks!

[nygrrrl]

I think if you mention it in your PS it's more than enough.
A year off during UG is really nothing.

[risa]

If you decide to do it as a separate addendum I would just give it some sort of title like "Optional Addendum" and then explain within that statement what period of time you are addressing and your reasons for the leave. I think as long as you explain the situation it won't hurt you, and could in fact help your application since you are showing the kind of "overcoming adversity" that the schools seem to be interested in.